Talismanic gets up to win 2017 Breeders' Cup Turf

The 2017 Breeders’ Cup Turf produced another upset, with the flashy Talismanic dashing home to win by half a length.

“He's such an easy horse to ride,” Barzalona said.

Last year’s Juvenile Turf champion Oscar Performance broke from the outside post and quickly moved over to take the lead. Beach Patrol and defending Turf champion Highland Reel followed close behind. Jockey Mickael Barzalona had Talismanic tucked into the rail, letting the front three go at each other. Oscar Performance carved out quarters in :23.69, :48.33, 1:12.86.

The race began to reshape in the final turn. Beach Patrol moved up to challenge Oscar Performance, eventually taking over by the time a mile went in 1:38. Barzalona took his time with Talismanic and waited for a hole to open up. He then moved from the rail to in between Beach Patrol and Highland Reel.

Beach Patrol had the lead, and Highland Reel was picking up steam on the outside, but Barzalona asked Talismanic to move at just the right moment. The European duo finished the mile and a half race fist in 2:26.19.

Trained by Frenchman Andre Fabre, the 4-year-old Medaglia d’Oro colt scored his first Grade or Group 1 win in his first race in the United States. He returned $30.20 at 14-1.

“Right I can’t believe it," Barzalona said. "I am thrilled to have won my first Breeders’ Cup race. I expected the horse to run well, but I’m not sure I thought I would win. Mr. Fabre is a great trainer.”

Finishing behind Talismanic was Beach Patrol, Highland Reel, Sadler’s Joy, Seventh Heaven, Bullards Alley, Itsinthepost, Cliffs of Moher, Oscar Performance, Decorated Knight, Fanciful Angel, Bigger Picture, and Hunt.

Ulysses, the morning line Turf favorite, was announced Friday night as a scratch at the recommendation of a vet.

Wearing the Godolphin silks, the Turf marked Talismanic’s sixth win in 16 starts. His earnings now total $2,601,004.